Regional ITS & Systems Operations Program

Call-for-Projects, FYs 2011-2015

The MPO is seeking applications for funding from public agencies located within the MPO planning area to implement regional plans to modernize and improve system operations in Middle Tennessee.

Program Highlights

The ITS/System Management & Operations Program was established by the MPO’s 2035Regional Transportation Plan as a way to advance the region’s policy initiative to preserve and enhance strategic roadway corridors.

The 2035 Plan identifies approximately $23 million in federal funds over the next 25 years for the program. Funding is awarded, on a competitive basis, to specific projects through the region’s Transportation Improvement Program in 4 or 5-year intervals. The MPO has programmed $825,000 in federal funds for the current FYs 2011-2015 Transportation Improvement Program.

Grant recipients may be required to provide a non-federal match of at least 20 percent of the total project cost.

Eligible Applicants

Any public-sector entity located within the MPO’s planning area may apply for STP grant funds being made available by this competitive call-for-projects including city governments, county governments, state government, and local or regional public transit agencies. Priority will be given to projects located within the Nashville-Davidson Urbanized Area. Interested private non-profit organizations should coordinate with public agencies for funding opportunities.

Eligible Project Categories

Any project that qualifies for a federal Surface Transportation Program grant that also improves the operations of the regional roadway or transit systems without adding lane-mile capacity for motorized or non-motorized vehicles is eligible. The program is intended to fund low-cost solutions aimed at improving traffic flow and safety along congested corridors and at intersection bottlenecks. Projects must incorporate some degree of ITS to include signage/wayfinding, traffic control/ signalization, traveler information, or information management. Preference will be given to proposals that exhibit multi-jurisdictional collaboration.

Proposal Content

Each applicant must submit a proposal application containing the following information. Additional details will be provided with the call-for-projects announcement through NashvilleMPO.org.

Project description providing an overview of the project including the termini/location, purpose and need, and main objectives;

Proposal narrative describing the project’s benefit to the local community and regional transportation system;

Project budget accounting for costs by phase, and sources of funding;

Project schedule identifying major milestones by task; and

Letter/ Resolution from CEO, Principal Elected Official, or Local Legislative Body certifying that local funds are available to meet the non-federal match requirements.

Evaluation Process

Proposals will be evaluated by MPO staff with the assistance of an ad hoc advisory committee comprised of ITS experts from TDOT, FHWA, ITS Tennessee, and university partners.

Schedule

Call-for-projects announced in November 2012; Awards announced in February 2013.